Earning a college degree is an important life step that is, in many ways, a central segment of the “American Dream,” which begins with going to college and culminates in getting a job, buying a house, and raising a family. College prepares you, both socially and intellectually, for your career and adult life. The advantages of a college education include career opportunities like better-paying and higher-skilled jobs as well as overall happiness and stability. However, this can all be taken away in the blink of an eye.
When it comes to a conviction for driving under the influence, schools and colleges are often extremely strict. A DUI arrest can have significant consequences for college students, potentially leading to disciplinary actions and affecting their academic journey. You may not think a Pennsylvania DUI would have a massive impact on your life besides your criminal record, but for college students, driving under the influence could derail your education. But could you actually be expelled from school for a DUI? Here’s what you need to know.
Understanding the Consequences of a DUI Conviction
A DUI conviction can have far-reaching consequences for college students in Pennsylvania, affecting not only their academic career but also their future employment opportunities. It is essential to understand the potential consequences of a DUI conviction to make informed decisions about how to proceed.
Academic and Career Consequences
A DUI conviction can lead to severe academic consequences, including expulsion or suspension from school. This can result in a significant disruption to a student’s academic career, potentially leading to a loss of credits, scholarships, and even athletic eligibility. Furthermore, a DUI conviction can also impact a student’s future employment opportunities, as many employers conduct background checks and may view a DUI conviction as a liability.
Expulsion or Suspension from School
The severity of the academic consequences will depend on the specific policies of the college or university. Some institutions may have a zero-tolerance policy for DUI convictions, while others may offer more lenient penalties. In general, a DUI conviction can result in a range of academic penalties, including:
- Expulsion from school
- Suspension from school
- Loss of scholarships or financial aid
- Mandatory alcohol counseling or treatment
- Community service or other forms of punishment
Impact on Future Employment Opportunities
A DUI conviction can also have a significant impact on a student’s future employment opportunities. Many employers conduct background checks and may view a DUI conviction as a liability. This can make it more challenging for students to secure internships, jobs, or other opportunities in their chosen field. Additionally, certain professions, such as law, medicine, or education, may have specific requirements or restrictions for individuals with a DUI conviction.
Pennsylvania’s DUI Laws and Penalties
Pennsylvania’s DUI laws are designed to protect the public from the dangers of drunk driving. The state’s DUI laws are based on a three-tier system of impairment levels, which determine the severity of the penalties.
The Three-Tier System of Impairment Levels
The three-tier system of impairment levels is based on the driver’s blood alcohol content (BAC). The tiers are as follows:
- Tier 1: BAC of 0.08% to 0.099%
- Tier 2: BAC of 0.10% to 0.159%
- Tier 3: BAC of 0.16% or higher
The penalties for a DUI conviction will depend on the tier and the number of prior offenses. First-time offenders may be eligible for the Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition (ARD) program, which can help them avoid a conviction and the associated penalties.
It is essential for college students to understand the consequences of a DUI conviction and the potential impact on their academic and career goals. If you are facing a DUI charge, it is crucial to seek the advice of a qualified DUI attorney who can help you navigate the legal system and protect your rights.
The Consequences College Students May Face after a Pennsylvania DUI Conviction
If you’re attending a Pennsylvania college, you’ve likely invested a lot of time and money toward your education. The last thing you want is for a single mistake to disrupt what you’ve worked so hard to attain. Yet, a DUI conviction won’t be taken lightly by university police and administrators. Whether you receive a warning, penalty, probation, or expulsion depends on many factors, including the circumstances of your case and the rules at the particular school you’re attending. DUI charges can have significant financial and educational consequences for a college student, including fines and potential prison time.
If you’re facing a DUI conviction and are curious how your school will handle your case, first check your student handbook. This directory will likely spell out the disciplinary procedures, penalties, and prohibited conduct at your school. In most cases, penalties are determined by a panel. Fortunately, this panel has a lot more flexibility than a judge. Depending on the severity of your conduct, you’ll most likely face the following common penalties:
- Warning: If you’re lucky, you’ll get away with just a warning. This is a formal acknowledgment of the incident and a statement that another misstep will result in a harsher punishment.
- Probation: If given probation, you’ll likely be permitted to attend classes but will be subject to restrictions. These restraints may include attending mandatory alcohol counseling and no longer being able to drive to school. A DUI conviction can also lead to the loss of an athletic scholarship for students involved in school athletic teams.
- Suspension: When you’re suspended, you are excluded from campus, classes, and college events. This may be until your case is completed and you’ve served your punishment, or it may be for a set period of time decided in advance by the panel.
- Expulsion: In the harshest case, you may be permanently removed from campus. In the context of a DUI, multiple offenses, prior misconduct, or a single offense that causes a severe injury may be enough to warrant this punishment. The outcomes in criminal court can significantly influence the disciplinary measures enforced by educational institutions.
Fortunately, there may be hope that you can dodge any statutory and school-related penalties following an arrest for DUI. For assistance, contact a knowledgeable Montgomery County DUI defense lawyer as soon as possible for help protecting your rights. It is crucial to have experienced DUI attorneys who can navigate complex laws and secure favorable outcomes, such as having charges reduced or dismissed.
Getting Home after a Night Out at College
The odds that students at school will drive under the influence may be higher than other groups of people, considering that students are more prone to peer pressure, are still developing, and are provided with an abundance of alcohol. Bearing that in mind, if you do find yourself out drinking, you may be wondering how you should proceed if you can’t drive home. Finding another way back may save you from a DUI. You have several options for getting home safely after a party or night at the club:
- Uber or Lyft: A ride-sharing service is an excellent option for getting home. Even if it’s expensive, it’s worth the splurge.
- Hail a cab: If you’re in a part of town without too many accessible Uber and Lyft vehicles, you may be able to call a cab. You can call a cab company to determine how much your trip will cost and tuck that much money in your back pocket.
- Public transportation: If no cars are available, you can always use public transportation, such as buses or trains, to get home.
If you’re arrested for driving under the influence, you need a Pennsylvania DUI attorney immediately. Contact the specialists at Rubin, Glickman, Steinberg & Gifford today.
Contact an Experienced DUI Defense Lawyer in Montgomery County
If you’re a student at a college in Pennsylvania or elsewhere who’s been arrested for driving under the influence, it’s vital that you get in touch with a knowledgeable DUI defense attorney as soon as possible. Many DUI defense attorneys offer a free consultation to discuss the options for handling DUI charges. The skilled attorneys at Rubin, Glickman, Steinberg & Gifford are dedicated to safeguarding your reputation and helping you sidestep the consequences associated with a conviction. This includes legal penalties as well as school-related consequences you may be facing from your college. Our legal team will examine your case in detail and work to build you a strong defense.
For more than 65 years, our attorneys have served clients’ legal needs in Montgomery County, Lehigh County, Bucks County, Chester County, Delaware County, and the surrounding areas. We’ve earned the respect of clients facing a diverse range of legal problems, and our lawyers are committed to protecting your rights. Call us at (215) 822-7575 or complete our online contact form today.
Rubin, Glickman, Steinberg & Gifford P.C.
Pennsylvania Attorney's
April 8, 2025
